I second the suggestion to try a close/caboo sling - we had a baby Bjorn for DS1 but I wanted something a bit more snuggly for DS2. He loves the caboo wrap, almost always falls asleep in it and it made the first few weeks with two little ones much easier. Now we alternate the two depending on what we are up to. Good luck!

People at the sling meet will probably let you try their slings, as long as their LO isn't asleep in it, so you should hopefully get a better idea. Be aware they can be a bit "wrap heavy" so there might not be as many carrier/buckle styles there. If the sling meet has an organiser, or a Facebook/meetup page, you could try contacting them beforehand to let them know you're coming & ask if anyone's got x/y/z that you'd like to try, could they bring it along? Most people have more than one sling if they're really into babywearing but won't always bring them unless they know someone wants to try.

Also I think some libraries will lend by post, so could be worth looking into.

Thanks for all the replies, there doesn't seem to be a sling library near me but there is a sling meet once a month (yesterday typically!) might try and get a long to one of those to have a nosy at a few different kinds in action.

I have a baby bjorn (hate it- hurts my back and shoulders within 10 mins even when dd was just 8lb and dd is not comfy in it).

Bought a moby wrap- LOVE it! Found it really easy to tie, dd will sleep in there for hours whilst I do housework/ go out. I can BF in it, dd is so snuggled and happy and it doesn't hurt my back in the slightest as it has her weight distributed well.I can put it on and drive in it and then just stick her in when I get to wherever I am going.Also, dh can use it to settle her when she is being crabby!

just wish I had bought it earlier as she was a clingy newborn but from 6 weeks it has been a lifesaver. dd is now 15 weeks and I hope to be able to use it for a long time yet.

def recommend a sling library- it's an expensive game if you don't find one you like straight off!

I had a Kari Me for dd2 and although it seemed complicated, it really isn't. There are You Tube videos which helped and after a few practices it was really easy. I loved carrying her in it so snuggly and cosy.

Yes, try a sling library or sling meet so you can try some different types. I know loads of people love wraps etc but even when I was shown how to do it properly in a sling consultation, I knew I'd never use them - just too fiddly for me.

I love mei tais (eg Babyhawk), on the other hand, and don't mind an ergo. Like the idea of a ring sling but again, don't really find them comfy. I'd never have known without trying them what world suit me.

Ergos and similar are great but you need an insert for a newborn. Wrap slings are not as scary to tie as you think - you get the hang of them quickly. They need to be tied much tighter than you think to stop them being baggy, and by the point that the baby is starting to sag in them, you can move on to the more structured carriers.

Have a look on the Internet to see if there's a sling meet or library near you. You can try out various types on your baby - because different ones suit different babies - for free!

Google the site 'love to be natural' she does all the buckle carriers and a good explanation of the different types. I use an ergo and I love it - clip and go I had a stretchy wrap (goes baggy) and a ring sling (hurt my back and too fiddly) - the ergo is amazing and just effortless really. My only advice is do not buy them from eBay or amazon they ate fake - look for registered sellers of the sling brands they can be an expensive mistake

Easy to use buckled carriers - Ergo and Manduca are probably the most widely available. I had a Beco which I loved (Beco Gemini is the one they do now). Rose&Rebellion and Connecta are other respected brands to look at.

Hi, due DC2 in November. For DD I had a chicco carrier (a baby bjorn type) which I liked but have since read loads on here about how those types aren't great.Have been looking about online at slings like the boba wrap which seem to be quite highly rated, the only thing I'm worried about is that you have to tie them up yourself. Am now paranoid that I'll make an arse of it and baby will be on the floor!Am I worrying about nothing or would I be better off with a carrier with clips rather than something that relies on me having any kind of skill!Thanks